The Winnipeg Jets came into the 2025-26 season riding high. They were fresh off a Presidents’ Trophy-winning campaign, looking every bit like a team ready to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Fast forward to early February, and things have taken a sharp turn. The Jets are sitting at 22-25-8, stuck in seventh place in the Central Division with just 52 points.
They’re nine points back of the final wild card spot in the Western Conference, and the climb is getting steeper by the day.
With the postseason picture fading fast, Winnipeg is expected to shift into seller mode ahead of the trade deadline. One name that’s drawing plenty of attention around the league is defenseman Logan Stanley.
The 6-foot-7 blueliner is having the best season of his career at just the right time - he's a pending unrestricted free agent and putting together a breakout year. In 54 games, Stanley has already posted career highs with nine goals, nine assists, and 18 points.
Stanley’s mix of size, physicality, and improved offensive touch makes him a compelling trade target for contenders looking to bulk up their blue line. Let’s break down three teams that could be a strong fit for the towering defenseman.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are back in familiar territory - near the top of the NHL standings and gearing up for another deep playoff run. While their high-end talent speaks for itself, there’s always room for a little more grit and size on the back end, especially when the postseason grind begins.
Stanley would slot in nicely on Colorado’s bottom pairing, giving them a physical presence who can eat minutes and clear the crease. He brings a different look to a defensive corps that could use some added edge when the ice gets tighter in April and beyond.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins weren’t expected to be a major player this season, but here they are - second in the Metropolitan Division and very much in the playoff mix. While the long-term direction of the franchise still leans toward a retool, their current position may warrant a move to bolster the roster.
The left side of the Penguins’ defense could use a shot in the arm, and Stanley fits the bill. At 27, he’s young enough to be part of the future and could be more than a rental if Pittsburgh is interested in a contract extension.
His size and improving two-way game would add a new dimension to their blue line.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are no strangers to deadline deals, and with limited cap space, they’ll need to get creative if they want to shore up their defense. Stanley checks a lot of boxes for Edmonton.
He’s a dependable option for the bottom pair, can kill penalties, and brings a physical presence the team could use more of on the back end. And with a $1.25 million cap hit, he fits financially without forcing major roster surgery.
For a team looking to make a serious run, Stanley could be a low-risk, high-reward addition.
As the trade deadline approaches, Logan Stanley’s name is one to watch. He’s playing the best hockey of his career, and teams across the league are always looking for a big, reliable defenseman who can contribute in the playoffs. Winnipeg may not be where they hoped to be this season, but Stanley’s emergence could give them a valuable trade chip - and maybe even a small silver lining in a year that hasn’t gone according to plan.